Motorists are being urged to plan ahead before setting off on long journeys to avoid running out of fuel, van drivers should be more aware.

According to a study by the Highways Agency, an “alarming” number of motorists  are risking their lives by failing to plan ahead.

Figures found that over 1,700 drivers across the south-west of England had been left stranded on motorways after running out of fuel during 2008.

Andrew Page-Dove, network operations manager for the Highways Agency, said: "It is no fun being stuck on a motorway hard shoulder in the middle of winter just because you have run out of fuel."

He also added that this would also increase the risk of a major accident and injuries.

Graham Bowskill, Director of the Highways Agency in the South West, said: "People have been injured in accidents while on hard-shoulders of the region's motorways, and there have also been many near-misses.

We want to make drivers aware of the dangers and also encourage them to check their fuel levels before they set out, and regularly throughout their journey if they are travelling for long distances."

The agency is now arranging a number of signs to be put up across the motorway to ensure drivers check their fuel levels.

"We want to make drivers aware of the dangers and also encourage them to check their fuel levels before they set out and regularly throughout their journey," added Page-Dove.